School hooks up neighbours with UFB

Internet access in Tolaga Bay is about to get faster and cheaper for some residents. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Radio NZ 10/9/2015: An isolated kura on the East Coast of the North Island is to share its ultra-fast broadband with the community at a reduced cost, as part of the government’s drive to improve broadband internet access.

Tolaga Bay Area School and a local business, WiFi Connect, have paired up to provide the service.

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Ivan Lomax of Wifi Connect said the whole family, including tamariki, would now have increased learning opportunities.

“The school sees the whole idea of being able to extend the worldwide web to their kids outside the school, into their homes. They see that, if they get hooked up, there’s huge ongoing benefits; they’re learning 24-7, not just in school time.”

Note: The project also had 2020 Trust assistance; Ivan is also the local Computers in Homes coordinator.